Big Blue Slam Blood Drive Runs Today Thru Friday, Jan. 26

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2018) — The community blood supply is currently low, but Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) is giving donors a chance to help rebuild that supply while also proving they "bleed blue" during the 10th annual Big Blue Slam this week.

Big Blue Slam, which is Jan. 22-26, pits University of Kentucky fans against University of Florida fans to see who can donate the most blood. Donors during Slam will receive a special long-sleeve T-shirt.

“Big Blue Slam is always the last of January when the blood supply often needs a boost, and this year that is so true. Wintry weather has caused numerous blood drive cancellations and donor center closings while the flu has kept many regulars from donating,” said Martha Osborne, vice president of marketing for the blood center. “Recently, transfusions have been outpacing donations, and that’s serious.”

KBC and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Florida enjoy this friendly competition every January to see whose donors can give the most blood. Big Blue Slam is a fun way to prove who has the most generous fans while also helping to pump up the community blood supply at a time when colds, flu and winter weather has negatively affected it. The Wildcats lead the Gators in this competition, five to four.

KBC will be at the following campus locations during Big Blue Slam week:

Campus donors can also mention they’d like to help DanceBlue and KBC will make a donation in their name.

To make an appointment or to find other donation locations, visit http://kybloodcenter.org or call 800-775-2522, ext. 3758. Walk-ins are also welcome at all locations.

Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Donors must also show a photo ID with first and last name, like a state-issued driver’s license. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at http://kybloodcenter.org.

Celebrating 50 years of saving lives in Kentucky, KBC is the largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center in Kentucky. Licensed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Pikeville and Somerset.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue